Twin States Weather Blog

Dennis still Strengthening

* Dennis is now a strong Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, gusts to 185 mph. It is still moving along the southern coast of Cuba in an area of very warm waters. It is possible that this becomes a Category 5 before it moves over Cuba. Cuba will most likely weaken the storm, but we expect it to become a Category 3 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and maintain that strength on its approach to the coast.

* The NHC official forecast has Dennis making landfall in the Orange Beach/Pensacola area. I still think that New Orleans to Panama City is possible for landfall, but we want to stress again that landfall is not the only important factor. Dennis will be a large storm and our entire area could see impact from it. Now is the time to be prepared for the worst but of course hope for the best.

* The official numbers at 10 am CDT

Position: 21.4N 79.9W
Winds: 150 mph
Movement: NW 14 mph
Pressure: 938mb (27.69")

* We highly encourage you to check in on Dennis periodically throughout the day via a number of options. You can check out our Hurricane Dennis Info Desk, the 24 hr forecast line, the website, and our television broadcasts each day at 6am and again at 5, 6, and 10 pm.

posted by Renny Vandewege @ 10:00 AM